Balance Training System and Related Techniques

ABSTRACT

A balance training system and related techniques are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the system includes a middle portion, a first end portion disposed to a first side of the middle portion, a second end portion disposed to a second side of the middle portion, opposite the first end portion, and a centrally disposed balance point about which the system can rotate parallel to a plane of an underlying surface. A user may posture over a top surface of the system, distal to the underlying surface. In accordance with some embodiments, the system is configured to permit rotation at least 360° in either direction about the centrally disposed balance point and to permit the user to engage in a twisting motion such that the balance training system rotates about the centrally disposed balance point parallel to the plane of the underlying surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/601,583, titled “System, Method, and Apparatus for BalanceTraining Exercise,” filed on Jan. 21, 2015, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/948,056, titled “ISO BoardBalance Training System,” filed on Mar. 5, 2014. Each of these patentapplications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to exercise systems and techniques andmore particularly to balance training exercise.

BACKGROUND

A balance board is a device used for recreation, balance training,athletic training, brain development, therapy, and other kinds ofpersonal development. Use of balance boards may aid in developing finemotor skill and balance in humans. Balance boards typically include anelongated board having a length that is greater than a width, and apivot mechanism. Usually the pivot mechanism is a cylinder that can rollby rotating about a central roll axis, which defines the pivot axis ofthe board. Most balance boards are adapted for balancing by a rider inwhich the board is positioned with its length latitudinal or transverseto the longitudinal or roll axis of the cylinder supporting the balanceboard. Conventional balance boards generally provide a single axis onwhich the device will balance and have been in use for many years.However, these conventional balance boards fail to provide the user witha dynamic, user-selectable, or multifunctional graduated system forstrength and balance training. As a result, these conventional devicesoften fail to accurately replicate the conditions of the underlyingboard sport.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to addressthe aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases,interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem,and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

One example embodiment provides a method of balance training, the methodincluding: positioning a balance training system over an underlyingsurface, the balance training system including: a middle portion; afirst end portion disposed to a first side of the middle portion; asecond end portion disposed to a second side of the middle portion,opposite the first end portion; and a centrally disposed balance pointabout which the balance training system can rotate parallel to a planeof the underlying surface; and posturing over a top surface of thebalance training system, the top surface distal to the underlyingsurface. In some cases: the first end portion and the second end portionare constituents of a body portion of the balance training system; andthe body portion is of curved rectangular shape and of greater lengththan width. In some such cases, the body portion is symmetrical about atleast one axis. In some other such cases, the body portion includes atleast one of a wood, a plastic, a cured resin, and a metal. In someother such cases, the body portion is of substantially rigid, monolithicconstruction. In some instances, an edge of at least one of the firstend portion and the second end portion is rounded. In some instances,the balance training system further includes a traction enhancementfeature disposed on the top surface. In some cases, the top surface istextured to provide a non-slip traction area. In some instances,posturing over the top surface of the balance training system includes:standing over the balance training system such that at least one of: afirst foot is positioned over the top surface proximate the first endportion; and a second foot is positioned over the top surface proximatethe second end portion. In some cases: the balance training system isconfigured to permit rotation at least 360° in either direction aboutthe centrally disposed balance point; and the method further includes:engaging in a twisting motion such that the balance training systemrotates about the centrally disposed balance point parallel to the planeof the underlying surface.

Another example embodiment provides a balance training system including:a middle portion; a first end portion disposed to a first side of themiddle portion; a second end portion disposed to a second side of themiddle portion, opposite the first end portion; a centrally disposedbalance point about which the balance training system can rotateparallel to a plane of an underlying surface; and a top surface distalto the underlying surface over which a user can posture. In some cases:the first end portion and the second end portion are constituents of abody portion of the balance training system; and the body portion is ofcurved rectangular shape and of greater length than width. In some suchcases, the body portion is symmetrical about at least one axis. In someother such cases, the body portion includes at least one of a wood, aplastic, a cured resin, and a metal. In some other such cases, the bodyportion is of substantially rigid, monolithic construction. In someinstances, an edge of at least one of the first end portion and thesecond end portion is rounded. In some cases, the balance trainingsystem further includes a traction enhancement feature disposed on thetop surface. In some instances, the top surface is textured to provide anon-slip traction area. In some cases, the balance training system isconfigured such that, in posturing over the top surface, the user standsover the balance training system such that at least one of: a first footof the user is positioned over the top surface proximate the first endportion; and a second foot of the user is positioned over the topsurface proximate the second end portion. In some instances: the balancetraining system is configured to permit rotation at least 360°0 ineither direction about the centrally disposed balance point; and thebalance training system is configured to permit the user to engage in atwisting motion such that the balance training system rotates about thecentrally disposed balance point parallel to the plane of the underlyingsurface.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and,in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings,specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that thelanguage used in the specification has been selected principally forreadability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of theinventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a top view illustration of a balance board, in accordance witha first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustration of the balance board of FIG. 1, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3A is a top view illustration of a cylindrical balance tube, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view illustration of a cylindricalbalance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance boardof FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a cylindrical balance tube, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the balance boardof FIG. 1 along the line 5-5 with a cylindrical balance tube, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance boardof FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a cylindrical balance tube, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the balance boardof FIG. 1 along the line 5-5 with a cylindrical balance tube, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8A is a top view illustration of a rotating balance disc, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8B is a side view illustration of a rotating balance disc, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance boardof FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a rotating balance disc, in accordancewith the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a top view illustration of an inflatable balance cushion, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10B is a side view illustration of an inflatable balance cushion,in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balanceboard of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with an inflatable balance cushion,in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for balance trainingexercise, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a top view illustration of a balance board 20, in accordancewith a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is abottom view illustration of the balance board 20 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The balance board 20 may be a component of an apparatus forbalance training exercise 10, referred to herein simply as ‘apparatus10.’ The apparatus 10 includes the rigid balance board 20 having asubstantially planar top surface 22. A first rail 30 and a second rail32 are positioned on a bottom surface 24 of the balance board 20,wherein the first rail 30 is positioned substantially opposite thesecond rail 32. A nose cap 40 is positioned on a front end 26 of thebalance board 20. A tail cap 50 is positioned on a rear end 28 of thebalance board 20, wherein a bottom surface 34 of the first rail 30, thesecond rail 32, the nose cap 40, and the tail cap 50 are substantiallyco-planar. A nose stop 42 is positioned on the nose cap 40 and a tailstop 52 positioned on the tail cap 50, wherein each of the nose stop 42and tail stop 52 extend beyond the bottom surface 34 of the nose cap 40and tail cap 50, respectively.

The apparatus 10 is a device and system, and corresponding method, whichcan be used for balance and strength training. Specifically, theapparatus 10 may be used to train for board-based sports, includingstand-up paddle boarding, surfing, skateboarding, and other board sportsthat require balance. Users may gain significant benefits, such asimprovement in balance, gained strength, and/or increased conditioning,from the beginner to the professional level. The apparatus 10 mayeffectively replicate most board sports, in general, such as surfing,skateboarding, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. The apparatus 10, inparticular, replicates stand-up paddle boarding.

The rigid balance board 20 may have an elongated, curved rectangularshape that has a length greater than its width. The shape of the balanceboard 20 may include a rounded or pointed section corresponding to thefront end 26 of the board 20, with flattened or “squash tail” shape atthe rear end 28 or tail of the board 20. These shapes may aid the userin identifying the front end 26 and rear end 28 of the board 20, as wellas enhance the rider's experience and realism relative to the sport ofchoice, in using the apparatus 10. The rear end 28 having the flattenedshape may be designed to fit into a retaining base to securely supportthe board 20 when not in use. Apart from graphic designs placed on asurface of the board 20, the board 20 may be substantially symmetricalbetween a left and right side. The board 20 may be formed from adurable, substantially rigid material, such as hardwood, plastics, curedresins, metals, or other materials. The size of the board 20 may vary,but it generally may have a height, between the front end 26 and rearend 28, of approximately 38 inches and a width, between the left andright sides, of approximately 14 inches. Any sizes, shapes, or materialsof the board 20 are considered within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The board 20 has a substantially planar top surface 22, shown clearly inFIG. 1. The top surface 22 may have a traction coating 70 or tractionenhancing material applied thereto. The traction coating 70 may includesilica or a similar material impregnated in a resin, or anotherprotective finish to provide a non-slip traction area for the user to beable to move about the board 20 without losing traction with the topsurface 22. The traction coating 70 may allow the user to securelyperform movements on the board 20 similar to the sport of choice beingsimulated. The traction coating 70 may be applied to the top surface 22in a variety of ways, including any industry standard methods, such as,for example, by brushing, spraying, gluing, or molding the tractioncoating 70 to the top surface 22, among other common applicationtechniques. The edges of the board 20 may be left smooth and slightlyrounded to prevent catching or snagging on the user's hands when theboard 20 is in use.

As is shown in FIG. 2, the first rail 30 and the second rail 32 arepositioned on a bottom surface 24 of the board 20. The first rail 30 ispositioned substantially opposite the second rail 32, such as the firstrail 30 being positioned proximate to a left side of the board 20 andthe second rail 32 being positioned proximate to a right side of theboard 20. Each of the first and second rails 30, 32 may be positionedslightly inset or a spaced distance from an edge of the board 20. Eachof the first and second rails 30, 32 may be affixed to the bottomsurface 24 of the board 20 by a variety of devices and methods,including fasteners, glues, affixment processes, or any combinationthereof. Each of the first and second rails 30, 32 may extend away fromthe bottom surface 24 of the board 20, thereby creating a raised railstructure on either side of the board 20.

The nose cap 40 is positioned on the front end 26 of the board 20, andthe tail cap 50 is positioned on the rear end 28 of the board 20. Eachof the nose and tail caps 40, 50 may be affixed to or formed integrallywith the end of the board 20, wherein each of the nose and tail caps 40,50 extend away from the bottom surface 24 of the board 20, similar tothe first and second rails 30, 32. The height of the first rail 30, thesecond rail 32, the nose cap 40, and the tail cap 50 may vary, dependingon design. In one example, the height may be approximately inch, butother heights and sizes are considered within the scope of the presentdisclosure. The bottom surface 34 of each of the first rail 30, secondrail 32, nose cap 40, and tail cap 50 may be substantially coplanar withone another. The exposed portion of the bottom surface 24 of the board20 may be a center cavity positioned between the first rail 30, thesecond rail 32, the nose cap 40, and the tail cap 50. The remainingexposed portion of the bottom surface 24 of the board 20 may bepositioned external of the first and second rails 30, 32, and thus notbe part of the center cavity formed between the first rail 30, thesecond rail 32, the nose cap 40, and the tail cap 50.

The nose stop 42 is positioned on the nose cap 40 and extends beyond thebottom surface 34 of the nose cap 40, and the tail stop 52 is positionedon the tail cap 50 and extends beyond the bottom surface 34 of the tailcap 50. Accordingly, each of the nose stop 42 and tail stop 52 may havea height greater than the nose and tail caps 40, 50, respectively,although the heights of the nose and tail stops 42, 52 need not match.The shape and size of the nose and tail stops 42, 52 may vary dependingon design. As shown in FIG. 2, the nose and tail stops 42, 52 each mayhe positioned a spaced distance from an internal edge of the nose andtail caps 40, 50, respectively. The nose and tail stops 42, 52 also eachmay be substantially centered on the nose and tail caps 40, 50,respectively. In one example, the nose stop 42 and the nose cap 40 mayshare a front edge (e.g., proximate to the front edge of the board 20).The front edge shared between the nose stop 42 and the nose cap 40 mayform a small, acute angle relative to the substantially planar topsurface 22 of the board 20. Similarly, the tail stop 52 and the tail cap50 may share a common rear edge, wherein the rear edge forms a small oracute angle relative to the substantially planar top surface 22 of theboard 20. The acute angle of the front or rear edge, respectively, mayminimize contact between the apparatus 10 and the ground surface whenthe board 20 pivots on the balance device. The first and second rails30, 32, the nose cap 40, the tail cap 50, the nose stop 42, and the tailstop 52 may be formed from a durable, substantially rigid material, suchas hardwood, plastics, cured resins, metals, or other materials.

The apparatus 10, as described in FIGS. 1-2, may be used with a varietyof balance devices which are placed below the board 20. The user of theboard 20 may stand or otherwise occupy the top surface 22 of the board20 balancing on the balance device. Further details of the board 20, thebalance devices, and other features of the present disclosure areprovided relative to FIGS. 1-11, herein.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate one example of a balance device 80 which can beused with the apparatus 10. Specifically, FIG. 3A is a top viewillustration of a cylindrical balance tube 82, in accordance with thefirst exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3B is across-sectional side view illustration of a cylindrical balance tube 82,in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The cylindrical balance tube 82 may be acylindrically-shaped tube or structure which is durable and sturdyenough to support the weight of the board 20 and the user thereon. Thecylindrical balance tube 82 is preferably made from a rigid orsemi-rigid material that is hard and durable, such as a plastic, wood,glass, fiberboard, aluminum, steel, or similar material. The cylindricalbalance tube 82 is preferably hollow and may have varying lengths anddiameters. For example, cylindrical balance tubes 82 may includediameters of 2.5 inches to 8.5 inches and lengths of 10-30 inches, orany other size. Preferably, the cylindrical balance tube 82 has a lengthdimension less than a distance between the nose cap 40 and the tail cap50 (FIGS. 1-2).

The cylindrical balance tube 82 may have a traction material 84positioned axially about the exterior surface of the cylindrical balancetube 82. The traction material 84 may include durable traction ringspositioned at right angles relative to the length of the cylindricalbalance tube 82 and may be situated near the ends and/or near the middleof the cylindrical balance tube 82, or any combination thereof. Thetraction material 84 also may include a thin grip tape or similarmaterial. The traction material 84 may aid in providing traction betweenthe riding surface (e.g., a floor or carpeted surface) and thecylindrical balance tube 82, thus inhibiting slippage between the twosurfaces. The ring-shaped traction material 84 may allow for a smallamount of compressive relief between the cylindrical balance tube 82,board 20 (FIGS. 1-2), and the riding surface.

The operation and use of the apparatus 10 with a balance device 80,using the cylindrical balance tube 82 as an example, is describedrelative to FIGS. 1-7. The balance device 80 may be removably positionedin contact with at least one of the bottom surface 24 of the board 20and the bottom surface 34 of the first rail 30, the second rail 32, thenose cap 40, and the tail cap 50. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front viewillustration of the balance board 10 of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with acylindrical balance tube 82, in accordance with the first exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional sideview illustration of the balance board 20 of FIG. 1 along the line 5-5with a cylindrical balance tube 82, in accordance with the firstexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is across-sectional front view illustration of the balance board 20 of FIG.1 along the line 4-4 with a cylindrical balance tube 82, in accordancewith the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 isa cross-sectional side view illustration of the balance board 20 of FIG.1 along the line 5-5 with a cylindrical balance tube 82, in accordancewith the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4-7 depict various configurations of the board 20 in use with thecylindrical balance tubes 82. For example, as is shown in FIGS. 4-5, thecylindrical balance tube 82 is positioned under each of the first andsecond rails 30, 32, such that the board 20 is resting fully on thecylindrical balance tube 82. In this configuration, the bottom surface34 of the first and second rails 30, 32 may contact an exterior surfaceof the cylindrical balance tube 82. As is shown in FIG. 4, the bottomsurface 34 of the first and second rails 30, 32 may be coated with agripping material 36, which can be a natural or man-made, thin, pliabletraction coating to provide a non-slip, non-marring, and cushioningsurface to interface between the cylindrical balance tube 82 and thefirst and second rails 30, 32, thereby providing an enhanced grip andsmooth, slightly slowed rolling action, and a protective barrier betweenthe structures.

Relative to FIG. 5, in use of the apparatus 10, the cylindrical balancetube 82 is movable along a length of the board 20 between the front andrear ends 26, 28, until contact is achieved between the cylindricalbalance tube 82 and the nose and tail stops 42, 52. Thus, a user canbalance on the top surface 22 of the board 20, shifting his or herweight to move the board 20 relative to the cylindrical balance tube 82.When the cylindrical balance tube 82 reaches an end of the board 20 andcontacts one of the nose or tail stops 42, 52, the cylindrical balancetube 82 will be prevented from rolling further along the first andsecond rails 32, 30. Thus, the nose stop 42 or tail stop 52 may providea limit to the movement of the cylindrical balance tube 82 when used onthe lateral axis, thus reducing the likelihood of a cylindrical balancetube 82 coming away and out from under the board 20 while in use.Various exercises, positions, and techniques can be employed tosuccessfully balance on the board 20 in this position on the cylindricalbalance tube 82.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a similar situation where the board 20 is used withthe cylindrical balance tube 82. However, in these figures, thecylindrical balance tube 82 is positioned in contact with the bottomsurface 24 of the board 20 itself (e.g., within the center cavity of theboard 20), and the cylindrical balance tube 82 is rolled between thefirst and second rails 30, 32. The cylindrical balance tube 82 can bemoved between the first and second rails 30, 32 using the same balancetechniques as described relative to FIG. 5, where the first and secondrails 30, 32 provide a stop for the cylindrical balance tube 82 whenused longitudinally to inhibit the continued lateral movement of theboard 20 atop a cylindrical balance tube 82. Alternatively, thecylindrical balance tube 82 can be used between the nose and tail caps40, 50 with the cylindrical balance tube 82 contacting the bottomsurface 24 of the board 20 (FIG. 6 illustrates the nose cap 40 and nosestop 42 positioned behind the cylindrical balance tube 82).

The apparatus 10 may include multiple cylindrical balance tubes 82 ofvarying lengths and diameters for users of any skill level from beginnerto professional athletes, thereby providing a graduated training systemfor skill proficiency development on multiple axes of balance control.The apparatus 10 may further include balance devices that include other,non-cylindrical roller devices. For example, a 360°-rotating balancedisc 90 or a balance cushion 97 may be used alone or with other parts ofthe apparatus 10 to promote a true multi-dimensional trainingexperience.

FIG. 8A is a top view illustration of a rotating balance disc 90, inaccordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 8B is a side view illustration of a rotating balancedisc 90, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. FIG, 9 is a cross-sectional front view illustrationof the balance board 20 of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 with a rotatingbalance disc 90, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Relative to FIGS. 8A-9, the rotating balancedisc 90 may be formed from a top disc 92, a bottom disc 94, and abearing device 96 positioned therebetween. The rotating balance disc 90may have a substantially circular footprint and provide 360° rotationbetween the top and bottom discs 92, 94. The rotating balance disc 90 ispreferably constructed of wood, plastic, metal, or other rigid orsemi-rigid material that can be smooth on the top, and the edges can besmooth and slightly rounded. The rotating balance disc 90 may be between6 inches and 20 inches in diameter, although other sizes arepermissible. The top and bottom discs 92, 94 are separated by andaffixed to the bearing device 96, which may be a rotating ball bearingdevice, commonly known as a “lazy Susan.” The bearing device 96 can bemade of a rigid material such as steel, aluminum, hard plastics, andsimilar materials. The bearing device 96 can be built into the topand/or bottom discs 92, 94 or can be separately constructed and affixedby common fasteners, such as screws, to the top and bottom discs 92, 94.The 360° rotation of the rotating balance disc 90 may allow for theboard 20 to rotate 360° when placed atop the rotating balance disc 90.The board 20 may be used alone with the rotating balance disc 90 or inconjunction with any of the other balance devices 80. A preferredconfiguration is to use the board 20 atop a balance cushion 97 whichrests atop the rotating balance disc 90.

FIG. 10A is a top view illustration of an inflatable balance cushion 97,in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 10B is a side view illustration of an inflatablebalance cushion 97, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional front viewillustration of the balance board 20 of FIG. 1 along the line 4-4 withan inflatable balance cushion 97, in accordance with the first exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. The inflatable balance cushion 97may be formed from a pliable material that can hold a small amount ofair pressure, such as PVC, plastic, urethane, or similar semi-durablematerials that can be inflated and deflated by any device, such as bymouth or by a pump device. The top 98 and the bottom 99 of theinflatable balance cushion 97 can he textured, smooth, or a combinationof the two. The inflatable balance cushion 97 may be positioned underthe board 20 and used in the manners described previously, except thatthe inflatable balance cushion 97 may provide a more stable balancingsituation as compared to cylinders or rotating devices.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart 100 illustrating a method for balance trainingexercise, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. It should be noted that any process descriptions orblocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules,segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or moreinstructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process,and alternate implementations are included within the scope of thepresent disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order fromthat shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or inreverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would beunderstood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the presentdisclosure.

As is shown by block 102, at least one balance device is positionedunderneath a rigid balance board, the rigid balance board having asubstantially planar top surface, a first rail and a second railpositioned on a bottom surface of the balance board, wherein the firstrail is positioned substantially opposite the second rail, a nose cappositioned on a front end of the balance board, a tail cap positioned ona rear end of the balance board, wherein a bottom surface of the firstrail, the second rail, the nose cap, and the tail cap are substantiallyco-planar, and a nose stop positioned on the nose cap and a tail stoppositioned on the tail cap, wherein each of the nose stop and tail stopextend beyond the bottom surface of the nose cap and tail cap,respectively. A user balances on the substantially planar top surface ofthe rigid balance board (block 104).

The method may include any number of other steps, methods, or functions,including any disclosed relative to FIGS. 1-1 herein. For example,balancing the user on the substantially planar top surface of the rigidbalance board further includes balancing the user about an axis of theat least one balance device. Balancing may also include using a balancedevice that includes a durable, rigid, cylindrical tube, wherein thecylindrical tube is rotatable between the nose cap and tail cap. Arotation of the cylindrical tube may be stopped with at least one of thenose cap and tail cap or one of the first rail and the second rail.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, aremerely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for aclear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variationsand modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) ofthe disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit andprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andthe present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of balance training, the methodcomprising: positioning a balance training system over an underlyingsurface, the balance training system comprising: a middle portion; afirst end portion disposed to a first side of the middle portion; asecond end portion disposed to a second side of the middle portion,opposite the first end portion; and a centrally disposed balance pointabout which the balance training system can rotate parallel to a planeof the underlying surface; and posturing over a top surface of thebalance training system, the top surface distal to the underlyingsurface.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first end portion andthe second end portion are constituents of a body portion of the balancetraining system; and the body portion is of curved rectangular shape andof greater length than width.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the bodyportion is symmetrical about at least one axis.
 4. The method of claim2, wherein the body portion is comprised of at least one of a wood, aplastic, a cured resin, and a metal.
 5. The method of claim 2, whereinthe body portion is of substantially rigid, monolithic construction. beThe method of claim 1, wherein an edge of at least one of the first endportion and the second end portion is rounded.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the balance training system further comprises a tractionenhancement feature disposed on the top surface.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein the top surface is textured to provide a non-slip tractionarea.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein posturing over the top surfaceof the balance training system comprises: standing over the balancetraining system such that at least one of: a first foot is positionedover the top surface proximate the first end portion; and a second footis positioned over the top surface proximate the second end portion. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein: the balance training system isconfigured to permit rotation at least 360° in either direction aboutthe centrally disposed balance point; and the method further comprises:engaging in a twisting motion such that the balance training systemrotates about the centrally disposed balance point parallel to the planeof the underlying surface.
 11. A balance training system comprising: amiddle portion; a first end portion disposed to a first side of themiddle portion; a second end portion disposed to a second side of themiddle portion, opposite the first end portion; a centrally disposedbalance point about which the balance training system can rotateparallel to a plane of an underlying surface; and a top surface distalto the underlying surface over which a user can posture.
 12. The balancetraining system of claim 11, wherein: the first end portion and thesecond end portion are constituents of a body portion of the balancetraining system; and the body portion is of curved rectangular shape andof greater length than width.
 13. The balance training system of claim12, wherein the body portion is symmetrical about at least one axis. 14.The balance training system of claim 12, wherein the body portion iscomprised of at least one of a wood, a plastic, a cured resin, and ametal.
 15. The balance training system of claim 12, wherein the bodyportion is of substantially rigid, monolithic construction.
 16. Thebalance training system of claim 11, wherein an edge of at least one ofthe first end portion and the second end portion is rounded.
 17. Thebalance training system of claim 11, further comprising a tractionenhancement feature disposed on the top surface.
 18. The balancetraining system of claim 11, wherein the top surface is textured toprovide a non-slip traction area.
 19. The balance training system ofclaim 11, wherein the balance training system is configured such that,in posturing over the top surface, the user stands over the balancetraining system such that at least one of: a first foot of the user ispositioned over the top surface proximate the first end portion; and asecond foot of the user is positioned over the top surface proximate thesecond end portion.
 20. The balance training system of claim 11,wherein: the balance training system is configured to permit rotation atleast 360° in either direction about the centrally disposed balancepoint; and the balance training system is configured to permit the userto engage in a twisting motion such that the balance training systemrotates about the centrally disposed balance point parallel to the planeof the underlying surface.